Dashi Delights vs Merrick
Dashi Delights is made by Inaba Foods Co., Ltd., and Merrick by Merrick Pet Care (owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare). On KibbleLab, Merrick averages 8.0 out of 10 across its scored foods, compared with 7.6 for Dashi Delights. Dashi Delights makes food for cats, while Merrick covers cats and dogs.
Dashi Delights and Merrick compared
| Attribute |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Inaba Foods Co., Ltd. | Merrick Pet Care |
| Parent company | Independent | Nestlé Purina PetCare |
| Founded | 1805 | 1988 |
| Headquarters | Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan | Amarillo, Texas, USA |
| Products listed | 7 | 118 |
| Serves | Cats | Cats & dogs |
Price tierA relative price guide, from $ (most affordable) to $$$$$ (most premium), based on the brand's typical retail cost. |
$$$$ | $$$$ |
WSAVA guidelinesThe World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer: qualified nutritionists on staff, feeding trials, and published research. It does not certify or endorse brands. |
No | No |
PSC accreditedThe Pet Sustainability Coalition is a nonprofit that accredits pet companies on their environmental and social impact, through third-party verification. It reflects sustainability practices, not food quality. |
No | No |
ScoreThe average KibbleLab score across this brand's scored foods, on a 0 to 10 scale. Foods are scored on published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score. How scoring works . |
7.6 (avg of 7) | 8.0 (avg of 118) |
Recalls on recordKibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear. |
None | None |
| Where to buy | Amazon Check prices on Amazon | Amazon Check prices on Amazon |
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Dashi Delights vs Merrick: how they compare
Scores
Merrick scores higher on KibbleLab, averaging 8.0 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 7.6 across 7 for Dashi Delights. Scores apply the same criteria-based rubric to every food, drawn from published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes them
Dashi Delights is made by Inaba Foods Co., Ltd., an independent maker, based in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, founded in 1805. Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare, based in Amarillo, Texas, USA, founded in 1988.
Standards and range
Neither meets WSAVA's published manufacturer criteria. KibbleLab lists 7 Dashi Delights foods and 118 Merrick foods.
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Common Questions
Which scores higher on KibbleLab, Dashi Delights or Merrick?
Merrick scores higher: it averages 8.0 out of 10 across 118 scored foods, compared with 7.6 for Dashi Delights. Scores reflect published veterinary science, and no one can pay for a higher score.
Who makes Dashi Delights and Merrick?
Dashi Delights is made by Inaba Foods Co., Ltd. Merrick is made by Merrick Pet Care, which is owned by Nestlé Purina PetCare.
Which brand has more products on KibbleLab?
Merrick has 118 products in the KibbleLab database, compared with 7 for Dashi Delights.
Where is each brand based?
Dashi Delights is based in Yui, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Merrick is based in Amarillo, Texas, USA.
Have Dashi Delights or Merrick been recalled?
Neither Dashi Delights nor Merrick has a recall on record in the KibbleLab database. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
See the full profiles: Dashi Delights and Merrick .
More comparisons
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KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
This is a neutral, factual comparison, not a ranking or an endorsement of either brand. KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through links. No one can pay for placement or a higher score.
Brand and manufacturer details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing. Recall data is compiled from public FDA and manufacturer notices, and a notice may name the parent company rather than the brand. KibbleLab began logging recalls in July 2026, so earlier recalls may not appear.
KibbleLab scores and commentary are editorial opinions based on published data. Represent one of these brands? Request a correction. Anyone else can email us. See our Terms.